Secrets within Secrets

The warning is there, right on the front page. 

Christopher Rowe, apprentice to 17th century apothecary Benedict Blackthorn  finds himself caught up in a mystery of frightening proportions. More and more apothecary masters are being mercilessly murdered. 
Kevin Sands'  The Blackthorn Key spins a tale of secrets within secrets, puzzles within puzzles, codes inside of codes, traps within traps. This cinematic thriller kept me on the edge of my seat through the final chapter. The codes had me studying the alchemy symbols that Christopher decoded in order to unravel the secrets of the Cult of the Archangel, the source of evil and corruption in England. 

I add my own warning to potential readers:
There will be fireworks. Treachery will be exposed. Blood will be spilt. Heads will literally roll.

"They are the tools of our trade...They can heal, or they can kill."

In addition to the heart-pounding action and adventure, this is also a story of friendship and loyalty. Tom remains Christopher's true friend and ally.  They have  some pretty funny moments.
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"We go right."
"It's left," Tom said.
"It's right."
Bridget flapped by overhead, going left. Tom glared at me.
"All right, fine," I said. "It's left."
Tom folded his arms."We should put the bird in charge."

The story comes to a fitting resolution.  However  the ending makes it clear that there is more to Christopher Rowe's tale. Much more.
Hurrah! Hurrah!  I look forward to that.